Folding table



Jan. 19, 1960 l, c. MAXWELL ETAL 2,921,726

FOLDING TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 4. 1956 NKY NQS

Jan, 19, 1960 l. c. MAXWELL ETAL 2,921,726

` FOLDING TABLE Filed Sept. 4, 1956 Y 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arrows/.5m

Jan. 19, 1960 l. c. MAXWELL ET AL 2,921,726

FOLDING TABLE Filed Sept. 4, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 19, 1960 l. c.MAXWELL ETAL 2,921,726

FOLDING TABLE Filed Sept. 4, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jan. 19, 1960 c.MAXWELL ETAL 2,921,726

FOLDING TABLE Filed sept. 4, 1956 a sheeiS-sheet 5 Jan. 19, 1960 l. c.MAXWELL ET AL 2,921,726

FOLDING TABLE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed sept. 4, 195e Jan. 19, 1960 l. c.MAXWELL ETAL FOLDING TABLE Filed Sept. 4, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 SSG NNNN\ .kuh US 5 k www@ NQNJNNN maman y N N N W5 IAMMNNII NNN/ NNN NNNj.\\\\\ /NNN NM/ NNN ,NQ N Q hvbnxb S NSG @Nu NNNNQM. /CHR /M \N| w -NNNNNN www f NNN NNN JINN RN XNNN NNN wil @NNu NNN YNN@ NNN MNN\ NN N QNNMNMN NNN NN NNYNQ SNN NRQ NSR United States Patent Q FOLDING TABLE l11nc. Maxwell and ole H. Langen, Minneapolis, and

Dan R. Plehal, Rohbinsdale, Minn., assignors to The Unpress Company,Incorporated, Minneapolis, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota ApplicationSeptember '4, 1956, Serial No. 607,673

ments in automatic shirt folding tables of the type disclosed in PatentNo. 2,737,765 and co-pending application Ser. No. 400,258, filed onDecember 24, 1953, of which this application is a continuation-impart. f

t is an object of this invention to provide new and useful means forautomatically providing longitudinal and transverse folds in a shirt incontrolled sequence. It is a further object of this invention to providean improved automatic shirt folding table having means for successivelyfolding the tail of the shirt upwardly, the sides of the shirt inwardly,and for positioning a retaining band around the so folded shirt and thenpositioning the shirt for easy removal from the table.

Another object of this invention resides in an improved automatic shirtfolding table of simple construction for folding a shirt into a neatrectangular package without malfunctionirlg, and for positioning aretaining band therearound.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and usefulautomatic shirt folding table having improved retaining means andimproved mechanism for operating this retaining means.

A further object of this invention resides in the improvement in thevarious retaining means and operating structure thereof.

Still a further object of this invention resides in the use of a planarmember or size plate in (zo-operation with a plurality of iexiblemembers including a plurality of extensible and contractible retainingmeans for retaining the shirt in position on the table. Y

Still other objects of the invention reside in the construction of theextensible and contractible retaining means, the non-extensibleretaining means, thesize plate, the co-operation of the size plate withthe extensible and nonextensible retaining means, the mechanism foroperating the same and in the safety controls.

Other objects of the invention are those inherent and apparent in theapparatus as described, pictured 'and claimed.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, this inventionthen comprises the features hereinafter more fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims, the following descriptionsetting forth irl detail certain illustrative embodiments of theinvention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the variousways in which the principles of the inventionV may be employed. l

The invention will be explained with reference to the drawings in whichcorresponding numerals Vrefer to the same parts and in which:

2,921,726V Ptentedoan. 19, leen FCC 2 Fig. 1 is a perspective view ofthe apparatus of th invention shown from the left forward corner;

' Fig. 2 is a top plan view partially broken away showingy thevapparatus of the invention' in starting or imtlal position;

Fig. 3"is'an elevational view with the cover plates of the apparatusremoved, taken from the left side; l

Fig. 4 isa partially broken away rear elevational view of thearrangement of structure shown in Figure 3; g

Fig. 5 is a fragmentaryV isometric schematic view of the apparatusshowing the common cam shaft, common cam follower shaft, common retainershaft and associated structure separated from the rest of the structure;e Fig. 6 is a top elevation of the common cam follower shaft andassociated cam followers;

Fig. 7 is a top elevational view of the common cam shaft and associatedcams;

lFig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational'view of the supporting structurefor oneV of the supporting retainers, R3; Fig. 9 is -a fragmentaryisometric diagrammatic view showing the supporting structure for thesize plate;

Fig. l0 is a fragmentary elevational View of the toggle actuator for theretainer shaft, separated fromV the re`- mainder of the structure; j

Fig. 1l is an elevational view of one of the extendable retainers of theinstant invention in retracted-position;

Fig. 11A is an elevation taken on the line and in the direction of thearrows 11A-11A of Figure ll; Fig. l2 is a schematic elevational vView ofthe cams and cam follower arrangement shown in Figure 5 separated'andside by side. These cams operate the folding mechanism. In this view thedrive shaft is shown in section and the cams and followers are showninthe positions they assume at the beginning of the cycle correspondingto the positions of the various structural elements in Figures l and 5;`v f Fig. 13 isa developed plan view of an exemplary form of cam sequenceof the present invention for controlling the various mechanisms;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic wiring diagram of the electrical circuits andcontrols of the present invention.

yCorresponding numerals refer to the same parts throughout the drawingsand description.

The overall plan of operation of the apparatus of the present -inventionassumes that a previously fully ironed shirt is available Vand ready tobe folded. In themodern high production laundry, the shirts are ironedby a crew of two orthree operators who complete the ironing of theshirt, utilizing a multiple unit battery of presses, which may, forlanexample, include a one lay sleeve press, collar and cul press, yokepress, bosom press or such other combination of presses as may beavailable. There is little or no hand finishing. Y p

The fully ironed shirt is then hung on the collar form andthe collarand'shirt front a'revbuttoned. However, the cuffs of negligee shirtsarek usually left dat unbuttoned), as are the cuffs of French cuisshirts'fl The operator then folds Vthe shirt and-itis to this operationthat the present invention is addressed.

VIntroduction With reference to the drawings forming a part of thisapplication, the shirt folding table generally designated 20 comprises abottom casting frame 21 and top casting frame 22 situated thereon andconnected thereto by any suitable means, in this instance bolts (notshown). Bottom casting frame 21 is provided with a peripheral skirt 23of angle iron constructionand rectangular plan configuration, and feet24Vby which it is supported. kA transverse brace 23A joins each of thesides of skirt 23 around the lower edges thereof as shown 'inFigure 3,

during folding.

the respective corners of surface 31, not shown.

A The folding table surface 31 issupportedlup'on Ytop casting 22 atitsrear edge and by a pair of braces 23B bolted as at.21A to the bottomcasting frame and supporting the front edge thereof as shown in Figure3'. In

Positioned as shownjn Figure 2, between the collar y mold assembly 33and the filont edge of surface 31 is a addition, the Ygenerally vuprightbraces or members (not Ashow/n) connecting the respective corners ofthe'topsurface 31 vand skirt 23 may give additional support.

As shown in Figure 2, thefolding table surfaced31V iis provided with alrectangular depression or recess 32 in which a stack of flexible papershirt retaining bands is ,to be placed. The paper bands are of theself-adhering typeconsisting of paper having a tacky coating on the topside at the right end and a similar tacky coating on the bottom side atthe left end. These tacky coat- V'ings are insufficiently tacky to causeadherence between right band folder or sealer 40 and a left band folder41, joined by two parallel center elastics 46. Adjacent the right andleft band folders 40 and 41 are right and left side folders 42 and 43.eah likewise having elastics 47. In operation left band 'folder y41 andleft side folder 43 are joined'to operatesiniultaneously, but right bandfolder 40 and right side folder 42'are separated to act individually, aslater explained. vA self-adhering tape or shirt bandis placed duringoperation of the machine, one 'for 'each shirt, along the center lineP--P and is brought up around the, foldedshirt as a final operationbythe action of lband folders 40 and'41, folder 41 beingV a band sealer.

, Positioned at Athe forward edgeV ofthe table is a tail folder '44which operates in elongated apertures or slots 45 as later explained.

Initial 0r rest position The initial or rest Vposition of the improvedshirt folder is shown in Figure l and is as follows:

Retainers Rl-RS and the size plate 35 are in elevated Y -position ofabout 50 degrees above the table surface 31 Varie brought together withminimum pressure, coherence will occur to lock the two ends togethertoform a band. The;r'ecess or vdepression 32 is low enough s o that thebands are out of the way but conveniently located.

Also positioned on the folding surface 31 and at the rear thereof -areve extending retaining members designated R1, R2,- R3, R4 and R5.

vRetaining 'members-R1 and R5 comprise extensible sleeve rods, membersR2 and R4 are non-extensible cuff holder b and members, These retainersare all situated upon and retained by a common shaft 39 at the rear, ofYthe machine as will subsequently be explained. Also situated upon andretained by said common shaft is a size plate 35 performing the functionsubsequently to be de.- scribed. It is .positioned beneath retainersR24-R4 and secured for lmovement from the position of Figure 1 out ofengagement with the surface 31 into the position shown in Figure2 intoengagement with surface 31 and over collar mold assembly 33. Size plate35 has positioned ,on the top surfaceV thereof aboard holder or clip 36which serves to retain the conventional shirt Vcardboard in abutmenttherewith as subsequentlyv explained. Likev as shown in Figure l.

ln this position retainers R2 and R4`which are rotationallyrfree uponthe common shaft 39 are maintained by cam action. l

Retainer. R3and` size plate 35 which are also Vfree upon the shaft 39are retained by spring action, as are retainers R1 and R5. Y

Thus, the retainers Ril-+115V are in elevated position- .and the sizeplate is likewise in elevated position and in engagement'witli theunder-'surface of band retainers VThe tailfolder Vi4 is in the Ypositionof Figure 2 and the side -folders42 and 43 and the band folders 40 and41 are flush with the surface 31 also as shown in Figure l. vCollar mold33. is in expanded position. The rods 38 and 38 of retainers R1 and R5respectively, are

extended. Preliminary operations In the'folding yof a shirt, with theinstant apparatus, there are certain preliminary manual operations andthe remaining :operations are automatic. Y. TheV preliminary loperations are as follows:

wise, the'retaining members R1 ,and RS aremovable from the position ofFigures 1 and 3 into `abutment with the surface 31 duringthe functioningof the machine.

@Retainers R2-R4 are lsimilarly movable, but instead of engaging surface31 will engage Vthe upper surface of size plate 35,. (Of course, duringfolding of a shirt, fabric willbe interposed between the members asdescribed further.)

Positioned at the center ofthe table surface 31'from left-to right "and,a little behind a median line froml 'Y front to rear is arecess oropening in which is seated a ,c ollanmold, assembly or island generallydesignated 33. It is provided upon a depressed platform V34 andsubstantially centrally positioned on surface 31.

At a suitable position, inthis'instance slightly to the Vright and tothe rear ofthe collar mold .assembly 33 is 'serves merely to retain aplurality lof cardboard or Yreinforcing collar bands which are insertedin the collar ofa Y shirt after the cycle of the l'macliin'e is completebut before it is refined/b21 vfroin 'thedmachine One of the self-sealingshirt` bands is yplaced with its tacky Vside facing upwardly on theright side and so that folder or sealer 40 will back theV tacky surfaceas it completes the 'fold of the band around the shirt.

The collar of the shirt to be folded is then buttoned and thelshirtplaced face downwardly on'the surface 31 with the collarpositioned around assembly 33; Assembly 33 comprises izo-operatingcollar surfaceswhich when taken together form 'aretractible andexpandable band or' island, the periphery of which is perpendicular todepression 34 and surface 31. This Vperiphery is contractible by theoperator fto permit the insertion yof a collar downwardly Yaround itun'th the collar in recess 34. An electrical heater assembly 276 isincludedV in the collar island or mold so as to dry out any residual'moisture'inV the collar and is controlled by rheostat'f33A.

When it is desired to insert a collar over the mold or island assembly33, the foot pedal 50 shown in Figures k1 and 3 lis depressed. y v-Pedal 50 extends through Yan aperture in front plate 26 and is pivotedat51-to the bottom casting 211. A link 52 is pivotally conneeted topedal 50 and extends as shown best in VFigure 3 to a pivot with crank 53. A collar form control rod 55 vis provided with a clevis 56 at one endwhich is pivotally attachedto bell crank 53 and with anidentical clevis57 at the'other end which is'attach'ed to a second bell crank 60Vpivofted at 61 to the collar mold assembly 33 for retraction of thehands thereof. The bands are normally sprii'ng'biased to 'expandedposition, by spring 59 and the pedal 50 works against this spring.'Ihemold assembly formsrno -part of this invention per se and isadequatelydescribedin co-A pending application Serial No. 400,258 towhich reference is made; consequently, it will not be described infurther detail.

The assembly 33 is in this fashion normally in expanded position and thedepressing of the foot pedal 50 operates through the connecting linkageas shown in Figure 3 to retract it. The collar is then placed over the`band formed by the mold and pressure released on the said foot pedal 50so that the band expands to hold the shirt securely by the collar. Theshirt sleeves are hung over the left and right sides of the machine. Theshirt is then pulled forwardly over the front edge of surface 31 withthe bottom of the button strip slightly overlapped. If necessary acrease is positioned in the back of the shirt depending upon the width.The front of the shirt is in communication with the surface 31 of thetable. The size plate is moved from the position of Figure 1 to theposition of Figure 3, into engagement with the surface 31 with thefabric of the shirt therebetween. The size plate is a generallyrectangular plate provided with a cutout 65 at the forward edge thereofso that the shirt cardboard which is the same width dimension as thesize plate, and has a length dimension extending from the clip 36 to thefront edge thereof may readily be positioned under the clip 36. This isdone at this time.

The size plate 35 is provided with a pair of spaced front to rearsti'ening depressions forming and projecting near ribs 35'. Secured ateach side edge on flange extensions 65', at the rear of the size plate35 is a flanged channel member which by cooperation with the top surfaceof the flanges 65' forms a rectangular sleeve66. With reference -toFigures 2 and 9 t'he left sleeve 66 is secured to a member 70 and theright sleeve secured to a member 71. Each of members 70 and 71 includesa forwardly projecting arm 69 positioned in the sleeve and having spacedthreaded apertures 69'.

Each of the sleeves 66 has an aperture in which may be positioned a capscrew, as at 70' and 71', so that the arms of members 70 and 71 can beadjustably mounted in sleeves 66 for relative adjustment of the sizeplate 35 forwardly and rearwardly of the front edge of table surface 31.'l"he members 70 and 71 are shown in Figures 4 and 9. v

Members 70 and 71 are plate supporting arms; each comprises a forwardlyextending portion 69 received in sleeve 66, rearwardly extending portion72 providing a hook and a central portion 73 positioned upon the commonshaft 39. Each of members 70 and 71 is retained loosely upon the shaft39 by a collar 74 and a second collar spacer 75. Collar spacers 75 maybefree to rotate upon shaft 39 but collars 74 are secured thereto by theset screws 76 which project therefrom and are adapted to engagerespective lugs 80 extending from members 70 and 71. Y

To end 72 of member 71 is secured a spring 81, the other end of which issecured to a pin 82 on the follower arm for retainer R4 as subsequentlyexplained (Figure 5). The member 70 is likewise so positioned with theexception that its spring 81 is secured to the follower arm for retainerR2. Sincethe lugs 80 engage screws 76 and members 70 and 7=1 would bebiased in a clockwise direction with reference to Figure 9 by action ofsprings 81, there is a bias imparted by lugs 80 on screws 76 andconsequently to the common shaft 39.

When the size plate 35 is moved from the position of Figure 1 in-toengagement with the table it is 'moved manually against the bias ofsprings 81, hence, such bias is relieved against screws 76 andconsequently on common shaft 39 and this shaft then moves under tensionof toggle return spring 79 which has a tension slightly less than thatof springs 81 and consequently retainers R1 and R5 affixed tofthe-shaft39 Ylikewise move into engagement with the tablersurfacewiththe fabric therebetween.

As shown in Figure 10, the toggle return spring 79 is connected near thepivot of'links 79A and .79B;1ink 79B being pivoted Ito collar moldassembly 33, link 79A being pivoted to link 79B and to link 78, and link78 being fixed to common shaft 39. It will be seen as the togglecomprised of link 79A and link 7 9B approaches the full line position ofFigure 10 tension is exerted by spring 79 which will over balance thetension of springs 81 when the toggle is in this position, but not whenthe toggle is in the broken line position of Figure 10. Thus as the sizeplate is moved from the position of Figurel into engagement of thetable, it will take effort initially to overcome the tension of springs81, but when ybrought into engagement with the table it will remainthere by tension of spring 79. Spring 205 for sprocket 204 lik'ef wiseassists toggle 79A, 79B as it approaches the position of Figure l0,later explained. The shirt cus are then brought over the rods ofretainer R1 and R5 and the cuis are positioned on the center of thesizeplate over the shirt board. With long sleeve shirts, a cuff may projectbeyond the size plate in a direction opposite to the retainer over whichit is folded and may be permitted to remain as it will automaticallyfold into position Iby operation of the side folders. djIf French cuffshirts are to be folded, the cu holes Vare placed over studs or pins 29so the sleeves are in criss-` cross fashion. Y

The retainer R3 or cuff holder band member is then brought down on thecuffs. Retainer R3 is loose upon shaft 39 and comprises a member 85 towhich is secured band 86, band 86 being a at'member and having adownwardly directed channel 90 formed at the inner end thereof in whichthe end of member 85 is lpositioned and secured thereto byv a screwpenetrating band 86 and member 85. Each of the bands 86 for retainersR3.R4 is identical, and are in the nature of spatulas, having a flattextured surface so as to provide frictional engagement with the shirtfabric, and a channel portion 90 directed downwardly and seated over itsrespective member, in this instance member 85. Band 86A for retainer R2(Figure 2) is substantially the same except that it has a greater widthwhich is provided by an extending edge extending in the direction ofretainer R3 as shown in Figure 2. This is to insure that the foldedportion of the shirt folded by side folder 42 will be securely engagedby retainer R2 after it has elevated and returned to engagement with theshirt fabric in sequence. Member 85 is seated loosely upon the shaft 39and is provided with a forwardly projecting portion 91 having a roller92 journalled thereto which serves to engage the detent member 93 havinga turned hook portion 94 in which the roller is'adapted to seat when theretainer Y R3 is in the position of Figure 1. Detent 93 is (Figures 3and 8) pivoted at 95 to a supporting bracket 96 secured to the'topcasting 22 and also serving to support a safety switch 290. Detent 93 is'biased to the position of Figure 3 by a spring 101 connected to thebottom end thereof and to the collar mold assembly (Figure 1);

Thus when retainer R3 is in the position of Figure 1, roller 92 isretained in the hook portion 94 of detent 93 by the bias of spring 101.As the retainer R3 is pulled from the position of Figure l intoengagement with the shirt fabric on the table, roller 92 rolls out ofhook portion 94 of detent 93 and into engagement with the stem of thedetent 93 and spring 101 acts as roller 92 reaches the horizontal toVfurther'force it downwardly into the position of Figure 3 and retain itin that position. Arm 85 with portion 91 is retained on shaft 39 betweenlink 78 and collar 77 (Figure 4). The arm portion of detent 93 serves tooperate against a conventional safety switch 290 in conjunction withstarter switch 291, as hereinafter described. f l' Zea 1,723

' Retainers R2 and R4 start coming down over the tailfolder to move intoengagement therewith. (Specific sequenceV movement in response to cammovement is shown in Figure 13 and will'be discussed later.) .Rods 38and 38 for retainers R1 and R5 respectively begin to retract; Thetailfolder returns to rest position after the time'that rods 38 and 38'are Vcompletely retracted.

Retainer R2 'lifts and the right 'side folder 42simultaneously'commenc'es to come up. The 'ri'g'ht side folder 42Vcomesfoverto fold the'right side of the shirt over retainer R4.Retainer R2 then descends again into communication with the shirtfabrictoY hold the folded rightside'and'theright 'side rfolder 42 retracts;AAs` it retrac'ts completely, the -left band folder 41and left sideniatcallyjwithreferenee fo Figure f2. .fwn/entire 'shirt folding tablehas completed oneicycle of operation and is in ,thel rest position,`thecamsf135+140 and thefollowers V135A-/140A7are in the' position 'shownin' Figure `fl2.

As thev cainV shaft '125 commences to rotate, 'each of Y thecams135V-140will rotate in the direction of the arrows 'of'Figure Vl2 from itsinitial'or rest position, and the Vshaftrotration continues 'throughonecomplete cycle until the shaftY halts in the same position. These camand associated Vstructure movements will now'be described ingreat'erdetail. Y

Talfolder upY and forward e Rotation of cam V139 will first cause thetailfolder 44 to move upwardly and forwardly by the displacement ofcam'follower 139A (Figure 12).. At this time, it may be mentioned thateachone of the cam followers 139A-k 140A is provided with Aa followerarm pivoted about shaft 131, all of which are substantially similar,Vand will not therefore be further explained other than with v referenceto follower arm 141, except-inthe instance of `'folder 43 comeove'r andintoengagementiwith the shirt Y and dwells. The right lband folder -orsealerj40 then snapsover to seal the band, and the collar mold coreVtracts; The retainersRl and R5 `commence tofelevate Withf'therodsco'm'pletely retracted and as they reach rest position orVinitial'elevational 'heighh'the Vleft 'side folder 43 fahd'left bandfolder y41 retract. Retainers VR2 and R4 are of course cam elevated, andconsequently hold the plate -35 V'and retainers R3 down untilV the camhas allowed 'them to elevate. Thus -sizeplate35 and retainer R3'elevaterwith'retainers R2 andR4. At thistime the rods for retainers `R1and R5 extend. These "rods -38and `38'Vfor retainers R1. and R5 arebowed -and move in slots and when Yfully Vextended 'are atthe center of-plugs 185 (Figure 11) but as'they retract they progress toward theYcooperating inside edges thereofV -in v'their respectiveV slots.-"1heautomatic stop switch 300 then stops the machine after` one cycle. Acollar stiifener Vcardboard `is removed from .box 37, 'inserted in theshirt collar, tlie shirt removed Vfrom size plate35 and the-machine isAin Vposition tocommence another cycle.

mechanism misfunctions and jams so as to prevent damagetorthe machineand garments :being folded. v As mentioned, theV cam shaft'stops at Vacertain position which marks theV end of the folding operation and isalso in the ready position 'for the next cycle, all as villustratedin`Fi'gi1re3.` The chain'driveu12'1 serves toV drive sprocket1'2'4athxedto a camshaft 125. VCamshaft '125V is supported as shown inVFigures 3 and 7 by a pair of bearing blck'sf126,` secured to castingV22. A second pairk of bearing blocks 130 is secured-to --the casting 22and-is positioned thereabove as shown'in vFigure 3 and Vserves to'support ythefo'llower shaft `13.1 on which Vis positioned a pluralityof followers for cooperation with respective cams on cam shaft 112,5.VBlocks -126 and 130 are'attached to thvejupper casting` 22`by anyvsuitable means, asjshown -in Figure 3 and provide bearings for 'shaftsv125 amm. f f A Athxed-#to the shaft 125=for rotation therewith is aplurality of cams 13S-'140, Figure 7., the individual 5operation ofwhich ,will lbe more fully 'explained later.V Eagh ofV the camsisp'rovided with a' follower =as shown in `Figures 5 and 6, whichfollowers are shown diagrarnslight differentiating features. It will beunderstood, however, that the cam followers operatevarious mechanicalmovements requisite to the shirt folding sequence as explained. Y

To the extending end vof 'follower arm 141 there is attached a Vrod 142having a clevis 143 at each end thereof. One of the clevises ispivotally attached with respect to arm 141 and the other is pivotallyattached with respect to tail-folder rocker arm or tailfolder drivelever 144. Lever 144 is attached to a rod 145 supported in a pairV ofbearings 146 secured to a pair of depending members l150 secured'one oneither side of the table surface 31 as shown and illustrated by the oneside appearing in Figure 3. At either end of the rod adjacent members150 is secured a -tailfolder driven lever 151 which has pivo'ted theretotailfolder roller arm 152 supporting the tailfolder roller 153. A camfollower roller 154 is provided for each arm. 152' as shown in Figure 3and is adaptedY to engage the undersurface of a pair of lspaced cams ortailfolder guides 155 bolted to depend from the surface 31 adjacent thefront end thereof at either side in the same manner as is shown on theone side in Figure 3. cam 139 moves the follower 139A, the tailfolder,through the mechanical linkage, is moved quickly upward and forward. Atailfolder tension spring serves to connect the bottom corner of eachone of the members 150to the bottom of respectivemernber 152 to retainroller 154 in communication with the surface of cams 155 and in the restposition of Figure 1.

A spring 161 secured to drive lever 144 serves to bias it to ytheposition of Figure 3 and so bias the follower V'139A in communicationwith cam 139.l

R2 and R4 down on'talfolder 'rollerv Rotation of cam 135 will next causeretainers R2 and R4 to move from the elevated (position of :Figure 1into contact with the fabric of the shirton the tailfolder as thetailfolder moves upwardly and forwardly. Cam 135 i's provided with aroller vr135B for actuating follower arm 162m addition to the actuationof follower arm y163 by cam 135. Arm V1162 is pivoted-to shaft 131 andisretained Ythereon at one side by a-collar 164 and onthe Vother Vsideby arm 163'. 162 has a forward extension 165 adapted to be engaged byroller 135B for elevating retainer R2'singlyrand in sequence as laterexplained. Secured tofollower arm 162 at the rear thereof is a rod 166pivoted to member 167 for retainer R2 situated loosely uponshaft 39 sothat as the Aforward extension .165 fof the Yfollower l162 Visdepressed, retainer R2 will move -inthe vdirection ofsurface 31, and vasthe forward extension-165 is V'eleva'tedit will elevate-retainer R72.Also secured .to fellbwer-162 tlt-he-rear is `-anxeittending lug 170 towhichis `securedthe-, spring 8L-for member V70, of size plate 35, asdescribed. Y,

Follower arm 163 comprises a forward extension 171 supporting thefollower 135A having arcollarportion 177 loose on shaft 131 and a rearextension V1 72 supporting a flat bar 173 parallel to shaft 131 andhaving an extending end 174. 'To the other end of the bar 173 is secureda secondvspiaced extension175 having a collar portion 176, loose onshaft 131 and spaced with reference to the rst collar portion 177. Tomember 175 is attached a rod 176 similar to rod 166 which is connectedto member 168 of retainer R4. Al lug 170 is provided to which isattached a spring 81 for the other member 71 of size plate 35, asdescribed.

Thus it will be seen that the roller 135B of cam 135A may engageextension 165 to lift it and elevate retainer R2 independently ofretainer R4, but when follower 135A is elevated, both retainers R2and'R4 will be ele'- vated. Likewise, when follower 135A is permitted todepress and roller 135B does not engage extension 165, both retainers R2and R4 will move in the direction of surface 31 by the bias of springs81.

Talfolder back and down After the retainers R2 and R4 have moved intocontact with the fabric on the tailfolder, and the tail'folder hasreacheditsrforwardrlimit position to complete the transverse fold in theshirt, cam 139 will permit follower 139A and arm 141 under bias ofspring 161 gradually to depress and the tailfolder will return to theposition of Figure l.

Rods for retainers R1 and R5 retract Retainers R1 and R5 as shown inFigures 1 and 11 each comprise sleeve rod 38 and 38', respectively,joined to a rack 180 at one end thereof. Each of the rods 38 and 38 isbowed inwardly slightly with reference to Figure 1 so that its tip isone or two degrees olf of linear extension in an inward direction towardthe center of `the table. This is done to provide a shirt fold assumingsomewhat of the normal contour of a shirt and to provide for easyrelease of the shirt from the rods as they are withdrawn into their:housings 181. Each of the rods is provided with a housing generallydesignated .181 comprising a rearward tubular extension 182, a

forward tubular extension 183. Forward tubular eX- tension 182 is closedby a plug 185 having an aperture 187 therein for the penetration of rods38 and 38', the aperture being elongated to extend from the center ofthe plug inwardly toward the center of the table as shown in Figures 2and l1. 'Ihis is, of course, toY permit the contraction of the bowedrods 38 and 38' without bending.

The center portion of each housing 181 is hollow and at `the bottomthereof is provided slots or apertures 184 as will be-seen best withreference to Figuresl 3 and 11, and the racks 180, meshed with gears 191reciprocate therein. As shown in Figure 11, when the gear 191 rotates ina counterclockwise direction thel rod 38 vwill be retracted within-cylinder 183 and when the Vgear 191 rotates in a clockwise direction itwill be extended.

Rotation of cam 140 through follower 140A and fol-y lower arm 200positioned by collars 201 and 202 on shaft 131 through flexible chain203 connected to rear of arm iltlrotates a sprocket 204- keyed to innershaft 192 positioned within hollow shaft 39. A chain 203 is passed overvthe sprocket 204 andis secured at its other end to a spring 205 securedto the base casting 21 at 205A. In Figure l1 it is shown in itsretractedposition.

The center portion of housing 181 also has a depending portion. 190forming a sleeve which is fixedto common shaft 39. As shaft 39 rotatessowill housings 1812 Spur gears 191 are secured to shaft 192; one isassociated with each of retainers R1 and R5, and penetrates respectivehousing v181 for engagement with'theqrespecf tive rack 180. v,Thetwogears `191 are .fixed to the ends of the shaft 192 vwhich isiittedwithinthe common tubular shaft 39. Gear 19.1.forY retainer R5 is joinedto sprocket 204 for rotationftherewith and gear 191 for retainer-.R1 isijoined-to pawl 207 for rotation therewith.

Thus-rotation of sprocket 204 rotates spur gears 191 `for retainers R1and R5. Since each of the spur gears 191 communicates with the rack ofits respective retainer, elevation of follower A by cam 140 will rotatesprocket 204 in a clockwise direction with reference to Figure 5 toracks and the rods for retainers R1 and R5. Elevation of follower 140Anow serves to retract rods 38and 38 for R1 and R5.

vSecured to housing 190 for retainer R1 is a lug or pin 206 projectingin the direction of associated gear 191 to be engaged by elevating pawl207. Pawl 207 is fixed to shaft 192 and gear 191 of retainer R1 forrotation therewith. rl`hus rotation of 'gear 191 for retainer R1 in aclockwise direction with reference to Figure 5 will lirst retract theracks 181 and rods 38 and 38' are so positioned that upon retraction ofrod 38 pawl 207 will engage lug 206 and consequently elevate retainer R1and thus through lthe common shaft 39 elevate retainer R5 as well.

Thus yat the end of the cycle, retainers R1 and R5 are elevated byaction of pawl 207 engaging lug 206 after rods 38 and 38 have beenretracted. At this time gears 191 only move suiliciently by action ofsprocket 204 through cam 140 to retract rods 38 and 38.

Retainer R2 elevates Retainer R2 is elevated by lug 135B to `allow theright side folder 42 to fold the right side of the shirt over retainerR4. This is accomplished by rotation of cam 135 which vcarries with itthe roller or lug 135B which moves into engagement with forwardextension to elevate it and through arm 162 and control rod 166 elevatesretainer R2. At this time retainer R4 remains in engagement with theshirt fabric by the bias of spring 81 attached to member 71.

Right side folder over Retainer R2 depresses After side folder 42 hasfolded over its respective shirt portion, retainer R2 depresses intoengagement with the shirt fabric, the fabric overhanging side folder 42slightly to permit this. The depression of retainer R2 -is accomplishedby tension of its respective spring 81 as movement of cam 135B passesengagement with extension 165, elevation of arm 162'and depression ofretainer R2.

Right side folder back j At this time the further rotation of cam 138moves the right side folder 42 back to the position of Figure l. The camactuation of the right side folder'42 will further be explained withreference to the cam layout subsequently.

Left side folder and left band folder over Cam 136 operates to move theleft side folder 43 and left band folder 41 over to fold the left sideof the shir-t over `the already folded right side of the shirt and to'bring the left portion of the paper band around the n left band folderand right band folder to move ansiet "fir Right folderover The-rightbarndr'folder or sealer Ythen-is actuated by 1 Vcam 137, and carrieswith it the tacky portion of the Collar mold contracts The engagement ofcollar mold lug 137B on cam 137 engages follower arm 58 pivoted tocasting 22 to engage Vroller137C to depress the follower arm 58which'en'gages stop 57 on' rod`55 lto contract the collar moldidentically to its contraction when pedal V50 is depressed.

' Thecollarmold stays contracted until size plate 35 has elevatedsuilicientlyrto remove the shirt collar therefrom.

Y Lief: side folder, :eff band folder and rfghr band falda nNext thecams`136 and 137 permit the left'side folder,

the position of Figure 1. l

VRetainers R1 and R5 elevate Cam 140 then further VelevatesV followerv140A which depresses arm 200 further, rotates sprocket 204 in aclockwise direction with reference to FigurejS so that pawl 207 engagesstud 206 and elevates retainers R1 and R5 in their retracted condition.Since the housings 190 of Vretainers R1 and RSare fixed to the commonshaft 39,

Retainers R2--R4 and size plate up Further action of cam 135 elevatesretainers R2 and R4- by the actionof springs 81 upon size plate 35 andby the engagement of retainer R3 with the top surface Yof the size platemoves size plate and retainer R3 upwardly to rest position. `It isnecessary to retaink retainers R2 and R4 sothat both the'action ofYtoggle 79A'-79B and spring 205 overcome the tension of springs 81.

The table then stops automatically by action of automatic stop switch300, a microswitch engaged by lug`140B of cam which breaks the circuitas will be explained by reference to the wiring diagram.

Cam sequence ln Figure 13 there is shown'a chart depicting the developedplan of the several cams 13S-140, by which'the various motions of thefolding Vsequence are obtained. VIn this figure the canis 13S-140 areshown positioned in succession, yeach one above'the other. Tlieilin'eYat the base of the ligure and under each cam is a datum lposition forthe cam above it, and represents a radial dimen- Y sion on the cam whichis lower than'the lowest Yspot on the cam.V The start position-is shownat the left side of Y rfnati'o operations which follow thefmanualoperations Ytliejfoldi'ng sequence. `Each cam will nowfbe explained Yindividually with referencem Figure A1-3. Y

back into position 'of 50 'degrees above thetable surface; At 'thepoint221oncamsurface 135'1'et`ainer's R1 and R2 start movingV`clov'vnward to lnake ContactY with' tailfolder Yroller 44. At 225 theretainers have completed theirdow'riward travel andarein communicationwith the tailfolderfroller 44. f At 245 thefretainers R1 and R5 start toraise and `at 250 the retainers R2 and R4 are up to rest or initialposition completing the cycle. Y Y

Fold control lug or roller 135B.k This controls the single elevation ofretainer 'R2. At 226 retainer R2 jstarts to 'rise and 228 isV at itsgreatest height so that the vright side folder 42 folds the shirt suchthat a loose'portion thereof is positioned beneath the retainer R2. At230 retainer R2' drops quickly into communication therewith vand at 232has completed its cycle of individual operation.

Left fold cam '136. Thiscamcontrols the left side Vfolder'andvleft'bandV folder. `At 2,34 they start to 'rise in unison, 'at '236Vthey have completed the fold and dwell from 236 to 241to allow thesealer V to make the seal, at 241 they start to return and ati24`6complete the cycle.

Sealer cam 137 .7. This isl the sealerV or right band folder Y 40. At237 the right bandvfolder Vstarts to rise, at 239 it has brought theright vend of thev paper band in communication'with the left endthereof, holding and Vsealing the paper band while the leftrfolderstarts tolreturn. At 242 it starts to returnand at 247 completesthecycle.

Collar mold lug 137B. `At 240'this lugmakes contact lwith'th'ec'am'follower 137C 'and starts to retract thegcollar mold. At 240 thislug makes contactwith the cam"follower 137C and starts to retract thecollar mold. At 243 the collar mold is completely retracted. At 248 thecollar mold-startsito'openandis completely opendat V251 as the lcycle iscompleted. A.. l Right fold cam 138. At 227the-rightfold'cam'starts itsoperation; at 231 it has completed its fold. At 223" it Vstarts toreturn'and'at 235 the cycle is completed. Y

Tailfolder "cam 139. At 220 the tailfolder starts its Vupward'andforward motion. 'At 223 "it reachesits m`o`s`t forward position andimmediately starts'to return, completely returning at229 and completingthe cycle. ,Y

Sleeve control cam 140. This controls retainers' R1 and R5. At V222 Vtherods for R1 and R5 startup and'at 224 the elevating pawl 207 isVrevolved to almost 'touch stop pin 206,`raising the housings 190.V At244 the housings are Vat vtheir highest point. At'this point the rods`38and 38'rbegin to extendand at 249'thefrods are completely extended. At252 there is a'drop-oif in thecam to 253 to enable the operatorto pullthe housings manually into Contact with the`surface 31. At this .dropoffthe pawls 207 are rotated slightly away from pins 206.

Circuitry In Figure 14 'is :shown'a straight line diagram ofthe electricwiring'for the motor drive, lights, heater and controls. Y

The table top or'surface 31 is perforated vatse'veral placesVwiths'fmall holes and in addition openings are provided through whichthe various folding elements extend.

` One or more lights 275 are mounted below the surface 31 and the lightsshining up helps illuminate the shirt and thus assist the operatoring'ettin'gwout any wrinkles in the shirt front, 'which is lower-'mostwhen initially placed on the tablerpreparatory to thefolding operation.The lights 275 also illuminate thermechanism for servicing. 'In additionthe collarmold as`se'mbly'33 is .providedwith a heater 276 'for dryingVout Vany residual moisture that may reniain in 'the collar. Thisheateris mounted centrally within the collar Vmold assembly 533.

The-'circuits finclude'powerllines L1 and L2 which arefusedatf280fand'connected Vtofan on-oi control or masterswiteh 281 to'supply busses 282 and 283. Light 275 is 'connectedi'direetly Vacrossbusses 282-283 'and hence is ienergized Whenever the s'witch 44-281 lisclosed `Vvand rde@ V.13 energized whenever the switch 281 isopened.Likewise, heater 276 is so connected in series with Arheostat 283therefor'and is correspondingly energizedrand dev-energized. p p

When switch V281 is` closed, a` circuit extends from junction 285 (onbuss 282) to coil 2875A or relay 285 and thence through junction 286 anda normally closed safety switch 290, thence through a normally openstarting switch 291 via lines 292, 293, and 294 to junction 295 on buss283.

Thus, when the switch 290 is closed by disengagement with portion 91 ofmember 85 and start switch 291 is pressed toactuate the machine, acircuit is established which energizes relay 285 and closes its threenormally opened contacts 285B, 285C and 285D. Closure of contacts 285Bestablishes a circuit from. juncture 286 via line 296 to a normallyclosed automatic stop switch 300 and thence via line 301 to buss 283.This establishes a holding circuit when the automatic stop switch 300 isclosed by disengagementwith lug 145B on cam 145 since the emergency stopswitch 302 is in its normally closed position. Hence the relay 285Aremains energized until either the emergency stop switch 302 is actuatedor the automatic stop switch 300 is actuated at the end of the cycle byengagement with lug 145B and thus being opened automatically at the stopor zero position, one time for each turn of shaft 125.

The contacts 285C and 285D control motor 120. Thus, a circuit extendsfrom junction 304 on buss 282 through contacts 285D to motor 120 thencethrough contacts 285C and via line 305 to junction 306 on buss 283.Hence, motor 120 drives through clutch and gear unit 123, 127 to rotatesprocket 122 and through chain 121 to turn shaft 125.

The member 145B is positioned so as to engage the roller of automaticstop microswitch 300 to open the contacts when the shaft 125 has come tothe completion of one turn, for one cycle of folding movements, thusswitch 300 is opened, the holding circuit to relay 285 is de-energizedand its contacts opened and motor 120'and hence all mechanisms driven byit come to a stop. Likewise, if emergency stop switch` 302 is actuated,the same action takes place. `The safety switch 290 precludes theenergization `of any circuit by actuation of start switch 291 until itscontacts have been closed by disengagement of its roller by portion 91and member 85, as retainer R3 is moved in engagement with surface 31.

It is apparent that manymodilications and variations of this inventionas hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing fromA thespiritV and scope thereof. The` specific embodiments described are given-byrway of example only and the invention Vis limited only by the termsof the appended claims.

What is claimed:

1. In combination, a machine frame having thereon a work surface, meanson the frame for retaining an article on said surface, folding means onthe frame for folding said article about said retaining means, saidretaining means including at least one extensible elongated member, anelongated housing on the frame into which said extensible member ispartially retractable, said member including portions that areretractable such that they remain in the same horizontal plane that theywere located in in their extended position, and means for retractingsaid member into said housing.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said retractible elongated memberhas a rack thereon, and means mounted on the frame for engaging saidrack for translation of said elongated member.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which said housing is mounted on theframe so as to be movable from a first to a second position andcooperating means is provided on the frame and connected to said housingfor moving said housing from one position to the other.

4.. In combination, ka machine frame having aworlg surface thereon,retaining means mounted on said frame for retaining an article on saidsurface, folding means mountedvon said frame for folding said articleabout the retaining means, Said retaining means including a plurality ofextensible-retractable elongated members, each of said elongated membersbeing mounted 1n an elongated housing and connected therewith forextenslon and retractionI relative -to said housing, a common shaft onthe frame on which the 4housings are mounted, rotary means on themachine for engaging a portion of each of said elongated members andsecured to the common shaft whereby rotation of said common shaft willtranslate said members in unison.

5. The subcombination of a garment retaining means, including a hollowelongated housing, said elongated housing having a forward end and arearward end, an elongated rod mounted for sliding movement in saidhousing, said housing being open at its forward end for translation ofsaid elongated rod therethrough, a rack memberv connected to therearward end of the elongated rod for actuating said elongated rod,means for mounting said housing for rotation about a horizontal axis,and gear means mounted so as to engage said rack member for extendingand retracting said rod.

6. The structure of claim 5 further characterized in that the opening inthe forward end of the housing is an elongated aperture having a majoraxis that extends in a horizontal direction and that said elongated rodis slightly bowed.

7. A shirt folding table having a frame on which two of thesubcombinations of claim 6 are mounted in spaced relationship on saidframe, said subcombinations being mounted to have theirrespective rodsbowed outwardly and oppositely to each other.

8. In combination, a machine frame having a work surface thereon, acommon shaft mounted on the frame adjacent said surface, elongatedretaining means mounted on the shaft for retaining an article -on saidsurface, said retaining means comprising a first, a second, and a thirdflexible means, all of which are operable in side byV side relationship,have forward end portionspand are retained on said common shaft inpositions such that the said forward end portions of said retainingmeans are normally positioned in an elevated datum position in relationto said surface -and are movable toward said surface for engagementvtherewith, operator means for movingthe rst exible means in unison withthe second flexible means into engagement with; said surface, secondoperator means for moving the third retaining means closely adjacent tosaid surface and third operator means for returning said secondretaining means individually and said first and third retaining means inunison to datum position in sequence.

9. The structure of claim 8 in which said rst retaining means in partconsists of a plate, said second retaining means comprises a pair ofspaced extensible and retractible members and said third retaining meanscomprises an elongated exible member positioned over said plate.

l0. The structure of claim 9 further characterized by a fourth retainingmeans connected to the frame, said fourth retaining means comprising a'vsecond pair of spaced exible members mounted for movement from aposition in spaced relation to said plate to a position to bear againstsaid plate and one on either side of saidv third retaining means.

11. The structure of claim 9 further characterized in that a fourthretaining means is connected to the frame for operation between aposition spaced above said planar member to a lowered position to retaina portion of the article in position over said plate.

12. In a machine for folding an article comprising in combination aframe having a work surface thereon, first, second, and third retainingmeans mounted on the frame for movement with respect to said surface forretamxn' g article onsaid surface, ffolding nieansmfor mfolding saidarticle about said first, second, and third means,

operating means'r'nounteilV on the frameand 'connected lto saidretaining means for actuating said first, second, and thirdretaining'means andsaid folding means, whereby said first, second, andthird'retaining means are movable from an index position to an articleengagingposition, the improvement comprising mounting'the' afore-Vmentioned retaining means Whereby saidrst', second, and third retainingmeans may be individually .moved into engagement with the surface insequence bt are simultaneously returned to index position,

` 13. The structure of claim 171,' fiirther rcharacterized in that saidiirst means in part consists of a "pl'a'te, said second means comprisesa pair of spaced flexiblefrne'mbers and said third means comprises'acenter flexible member. U,

, Q14. vA 'machine for folding shirts comprising-id combination a lframehaving thereon "ajretainingjsurface, m'eans'on the frame for retaining ashirt on Vsaid fsur'face, folding means on'the frameforfoldingashrtabout said retaining means, ,meansmounted onftlie frame foroperating said'folding means and Saidretainingvmeans, said etainingmeansincludingfa c 'ommonshaft'mounted on theY frame, a plurality ,of'elongated jmemb'ers 'rotatably mounted in side by siderelationship-onsaid shaft, the outermost ofY said elongatedmembers "on the shaft `beingIextensible and retractable, the i'elongated'r'nembe'rs inter- "frm fr'gignstfal f elgngated .i member .whereby ,sai `.elongatedmember may .be-retrlactedso asfinvpart, to Voverhang said rear edgeiof the machine. j

18. In a foldinglvrnachineihaving a'framehavinga foldingsurfane'ther'eon'providing an) edge adjacenththef` operator )and `anledge remote therefrom, the jrimprovement lcompris'ing a pairoffs'pa'eed feilrtensiblev"andV retractible retaining members'mounted'onthefr'ame, al retaining plate on'the `frame montedso as to be positionedjbetween said pair ofspaced membersv and substantially centrally ofsaidsurface, a' paireffiixed retaining members mounted on' the'l 'frame soasf'tofbe )positioned kover said surface mediate the outermost membersbeing'nonextensjble, and

means on the frame connected to the outermostlelongated Y membersV forextending and retracting members in unison. -V l Y Y, 15. The apparatusof Yclaim 1'4vfur'ther characterized said outermost 'in that theretaining means includesa vhousing onV the g 1'7. In a vfoldingVmachine'ha'ving 'a Ysupporting surfaceV on said frame, saidsurface-having Va front edge from which the machine is normallyoperatedanda rear edge, an Velongated housing, an elongated member'extensible and retractible within'said housing, said housingbeingpivotally mounted adjacent said rear edge of said surface whereby saidelongated member normally extends Vforlwar'dly over the surface andmeans is mounted on said anda central retaining member alsop'sitionedbetween said pair of'ixedA retiningfmembers. Y

'119. The structure of [claim 418 in wvhich'fall' of vsaid members 'arepositit'inedionY a common'shaft-vvhich is mountedon the Aframef-at said"remote edge.'

20. The structure of claim v18 furthercharacterized in that there isprovided fspring means .connected to the retaining plate fornormallyfretaining said retaining plate intan elevatedV position. p s 1f21. Thestructure rif-claim 18 further characterized inthat,antelectricallyfopierated,motor means is mounted on the frame foroperating "said retaining members'and a switch is provided onthe'frameand positioned soY as yto be l engageable'by' said 'centralretaining member vvheniin an elevated position precluding operationofthe motor means "and for ycausingloperation.tliereofwhen saidretaining member is broughtv into engagement with'said surface. l, 4 YYLZ2. The structure`of claim '.18'furthervcharacterized in thatresilient nieans'is Vprovide'dffor, maintaining said central member inelevated position butis .operableV as said central member is rotated -in`thedirectionitoward the tableto'bias said centralfmember intoengagement with thetable. n M l 1 f 23. Thestructure1offclain1`18:further characterized in that iirstspring meansis provided on vtheframe for biasing'said retaining plate saidVextensible"and retractible members into elevated position and, secondspring meansisfp'rovided Vonft'he' frame l(and 'operable as either saidextensible andretractible members or' said retaining plate are movedvinto communicationrwith 'the table surface toretain 'these' members incommunication with the table surface.V Y Y Refeg'enes cifediiheiiefthisam Y UNITED .STATES PATENTS 698,562 'shnneman 'Apa 279,1902.2,737,765 Reid Mari 13, 1956

